30 for 30

As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, ESPN looks back at notable sports happenings that occurred from 1979 to 2009 with this documentary series featuring 30 films from some of Hollywood's finest directors and producers. Peter Berg, Barry Levinson, John Singleton, Spike Jonze, Dan Klores, Barbara Kopple, Ron Shelton and Albert Maysles are among the filmmakers involved, and the stories told include the shocking trade of Wayne Gretzky in 1988, the Baltimore Colts' nighttime move in 1984, Reggie Miller's rivalry with the New York Knicks, the death of Len Bias in 1986, a profile of George Steinbrenner and his family business, and a look at Michael Jordan's attempt at a baseball career. A new series of 30 films premiered in October 2012 with "Broke," about the challenges athletes face in managing their money.

Latest episodes

VOD available

The incredible, impossible story of when James "Buster" Douglas defeated Mike Tyson for the heavyweight championship of the world on Feb. 11, 1990, in Tokyo.

VOD available

Deion Sanders plays for both the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons in the same 24-hour period in October 1992.

aired 59 days ago

Examining Bob Knight's fall from grace at Indiana University.

aired 59 days ago

The relationship between coaching masters Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells that spans over four decades.

aired 59 days ago

In 2001, sports entertainment titans Dick Ebersol and Vince McMahon launched the XFL, a bold challenge since other leagues had attempted to compete with the NFL and ultimately failed.

aired 59 days ago

North Carolina State, coached by Jim Valvano, was a huge underdog in the 1983 NCAA Final vs. top-ranked Houston - resulting in one of the greatest college basketball upsets ever.

aired 169 days ago

A look at the Chicago Bears on the 30th anniversary of their Super Bowl XX win. The birth of Buddy Ryan's 46 Defense, their win over the 49ers, the loss to the Dolphins that ruined their perfect season and the Super Bowl Shuffle.

VOD available

The Buffalo Bills of the early '90s made it to four straight Super Bowls, yet never brought home the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.

aired 176 days ago

The fascinating back story behind the famous/infamous 1988 "Catholics vs. Convicts" college football game between Notre Dame and the University of Miami. The slogan summarized the subtext of cultural and racial tensions brewing between the schools.

aired 176 days ago

The rise and fall of the USC Trojan football team under the nine-year leadership of Pete Carroll.

aired 202 days ago

Exploring the enigma of former NFL great Randy Moss leads back to his hometown of Rand, West Virginia.

airs in 4 days

The life and career of WWE legend Ric Flair, including interviews with Flair's living children and several retired wrestlers including Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Ricky Steamboat, Sting, Triple H, The Undertaker, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard.

aired 287 days ago

When the Celtics and Lakers meet again in the 1985 and 1987 NBA Finals, the teams' disdain and animosity for each other gradually turns to mutual respect -- led by superstars Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

aired 287 days ago

Boston's Larry Bird and LA's Magic Johnson headline rosters full of charisma and talent as their teams collide in the epic 1984 NBA Finals. The two had previously met in the 1979 NCAA Championship Game, and now welcomed a second title clash.

VOD available

Director Andy Billman chronicles the struggles of Cleveland's major sports franchises over the past 50 years and the impact it has all had on the psyche of a typical Cleveland sports fan.

aired 321 days ago

The rise and fall of golfer John Daly, known as much for his struggles with alcohol, gambling, depression and women, as for his golfing prowess, the length of his drives, and "Grip It and Rip It" mentality.

aired 327 days ago

Two fighters established a captivating rivalry. Their pair of bouts within a span of just over five months in 1980 had all the trappings of instant classics. Sugar Ray Leonard versus Roberto Duran.

aired 327 days ago

Boxer Evander Holyfield patiently awaited his chance to take on Mike Tyson, who ruled the heavyweight division with an outsized personality and ferocious punches, even while behind bars.

aired 327 days ago

Boxer Tommy Morrison's remarkable rise and stunningly tragic fall. He was one of the best heavyweights of his time; a handsome, yet unsettled young fighter primed for more stardom before a positive HIV test forced him into retirement at age 27.

aired 333 days ago

An intimate look at University of Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari, one of the most compelling and controversial figures in sports. Featuring never-before-seen footage as he tries to capture his second national title.

aired 333 days ago

The University of Houston's high-flying basketball team, known as "Phi Slama Jama," made three straight trips to the Final Four and transformed the game forever.

Similar on YouTube TV

While "SportsNation" is hosted by Cari Champion, Marcellus Wiley and LZ Granderson, it's really powered by the people, fueled by fan interaction and focused on fun. The lighthearted, hourlong weekday series attracts the youngest demographic of all of ESPN's studio shows, and it's different than many of the network's offerings in that fan engagement and clever, imaginative segments are at the heart of the program. While they day's hottest and weirdest sports topics are covered, also included is discussion of the smaller stories that people are taking about on the internet but often aren't seen on TV.

This documentary series takes viewers inside prisons and jails across America and around the world, offering rarely obtained and comprehensive access into these locations. The show profiles the inmates and employees who work at these facilities, highlighting their day-to-day experiences and interactions within the confines of prison. By bringing audiences the real, raw stories of life behind bars, this program aims to provide a truly authentic and in-depth look inside the complex criminal justice system.

FS1's challenge to ESPN's "SportsCenter" in the form of "Fox Sports Live" lasted a little more than two years, with the effort failing in part because traditional sports highlight shows no longer have broad appeal. A new iteration focuses on the chemistry of returning co-anchors Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole (this time they even get title recognition!) in a format that showcases their personalities, senses of humor and interviewing skills.